The tense relationship between Hostess Brands and its second largest union deteriorated further when the bakers' union launched a strike against the bankrupt snack maker, beginning Friday.

A news release issued late Friday by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union called the move “an inspiring display of courage and conviction.”

Hostess has said repeatedly that a prolonged strike would result in a “rapid” wind down of the company, which has been in bankruptcy court since January.

“A widespread strike will cause Hostess Brands to liquidate if we are unable to produce or deliver products,” the maker of Twinkies said in a statement.

“If that’s the case, the company will move promptly to lay off most of its 18,300-member workforce and focus on selling its assets to the highest bidders. We urge our employees to remain on the job to rebuild this company.”

The statement said Hostess knows of only one strike, at its bakery in Lenexa,Kan.

There are no Hostess baking plants in Texas. A spokesman said there were no pickets Friday at the company headquarters in Irving.

Baker's union workers, many of whom have worked at Hostess and its predecessor companies for decades, said they struck in response to the company's unilateral imposition of a “horrendous contract” that was rejected by 92 percent of the union's Hostess members in September.

"Hostess Brands is making a mockery of the labor relations system that has been in place for nearly 100 years. Our members are not just striking for themselves, but for all unionized workers across North America who are covered by collective bargaining agreements," said Frank Hurt, BCTGM International president.

The contract calls for an 8 percent wage reduction imposed immediately. With all concessions and give backs the union said the cuts amount to 27 percent to 32 percent overall.

The company unilaterally ceased making contributions, required by their union contracts, to the workers' pensions in July 2011 and imposed cuts in health benefits.